2016 Postmortem
In reply to the discussion: Why didn't Bernie get Vermont to pass single payer? [View all]SouthernProgressive
(1,810 posts)I am going to assume Vermont has a very high rate of insured. They might also have good county programs that pick up the rest. In Pasco county Florida, often known as one of our most backwards counties, they have amazing health programs available to pick up where others fall short in the arena of healthcare. I personally know people who moved a couple of miles just to be in the Pasco limits. If anyone is ever interested, take a look at what Pasco does for mental health care. It is truly wonderful. One with very limited means can get therapy and a psychiatrist for almost nothing. That includes medication. It is one area that is getting it right. What makes no sense is that it is also very well known as one of Floridas most laughed at counties. Vermont may be similar(not the laughable part). Maybe someone will know better.
On top of what I first mentioned, I believe Vermont to be a pretty wealthy state. The wealthy, as a group, are an impediment to single payer. Hard to say for sure on that one as Vermont often marches to the beat of it's own drummer. It is a state where assumptions are hard to make.
I also don't think Sanders, Hillary or O'Malley will get single payer passed. The members of our party in congress are going to have to keep fighting for the ACA for the coming years. It has to be viewed as a success going into the next stage of negotiations.